Religion
Pilgrimage to Israel Resumes Soon – NCPC
By Danusa Ocholi, Abuja
Executive Secretary, Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission,[NCPC], Rev. Yakubu Pam, has said he will not be fulfilled in his present position until he delivers quality service to Nigerians.
He told a group of journalists yesterday in his office in Abuja that with the nation expected to open its airspace in in a matter of days following more than five months of shut down due to COVID-19 pandemic, NCPC will announce the date of the 2020 pilgrimage to Israel after a long while.
Rev. Pam promised to take charge of the organization of the pilgrimage to enable him address some of the shortcomings observed in the previous assignments.
The Executive Secretary promised to show Nigerians “the difference at the end of the day.” Rev. Pam equally frowned at the unprecedented level of corruption which he said nearly ruined the image of NCPC.
He promised to do something drastic to address the situation. According to him:” It will no longer be business as usual for those that make pilgrimage to Israel.
He said the pilgrimage will be better organized to underline the spiritual effect of it on the people to make them better citizens of Nigeria. He frowned at the increasing level Nigerians abscond to the Jewish nation and the rest of Europe and promised to take some measures which he said he will not disclose.
In a related development, The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission NCPC and the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria(CAN) 19 Northern states and FCT have revealed that the three – day proposed Southern Kaduna Peace Summit would commence on September 8.
He disclosed this recently in Southern Kaduna during a condolence visit to select strategic leaders in the area.
The NCPC boss met with the Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Association at Bajare Bishop Court, the Emir of Jama’a, AlhajiMuhammad Isah Muhammad and his emirate council, the chief of Kagoro as well as the Chief of Zikpak, Dr. Josiah Kantiyok.
The message of Rev. Pam was the same in all his engagements with these leaders, which centred primarily on advocacy. He condoled and emphatised with them on the lost of innocent lives of their people. He prayed for lasting peace in their communities.
As part of his peace mission to Southern Kaduna, he admonished them to call on their youths not to take laws into their hands, thus he stressed the need for ceasefire by all the parties in the crisis. He also charged them to stop the killings and embrace dialogue.
More importantly, the NCPC both urged them to forgive those that had caused them sorrow. He invited each of these personalities to attend the proposed Peace Summit from 8th to 10th September, 2020 at Southern Kaduna.
Speaking during the Executive Secretary’s visit, the President of the Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Association, Bishop Simon Peter Mutum spoke on the total neglect of the Southern Kaduna in the area of infrastructural development. He called on the APC led government in the stateto make them feel the impact of good governance.
He explained that the government should also understand the problems of the Christians in Southern Kaduna. He called on the government to come out in full force to put an end to the senseless killings of innocent lives, adding that “enough is enough”.
In his remarks, the Emir of JAMA’A Alhaji Muhammad Isah Muhammad stressed that Islam is a religion of peace and that his Emirate had always enjoyed peace and should continue to maintainpeaceful co-existence and inter faith harmony among people of other faith. He welcomed the idea of the proposed three days peace Summit in Southern Kaduna.
At the palace of the Chief of Zikpak, His Royal Highness Dr. Josiah Kantiyok commended the NCPC boss for going extra mile to ensure that peace reign supreme in Southern Kaduna. He explained that many visitors had visited the area since the crisis began, but he was the only one that had gone ahead to invite them for further discussion. According to him, “no one had given us this extra effort.”
He affirmed that his people are peace loving people and would do everything to ensure that peace reign in Southern Kaduna. His words, “I want to assure you that we are peace loving people and have forgiven those that wronged us.”
The Executive Secretary’s interventional mission to Southern Kaduna has made him and his team to visit the affected communities up to four times which had culminated into the scheduled peace Summit in Southern Kaduna.
There was a drama as the sacrificial ram of the Chief Imam of the Mista Ali community in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, Imam Abdulkadir went missing on the eve of the Ed-el-Kabir.
Abdulkadir’s ram was reportedly stolen during a downpour in the area on the eve of the Ed-el-Kabir.
An Imam in the community, Haruna Yaqub, disclosed this during the sermon, shortly after the two Raka’at prayers.
Yaqub, who condemned the incident, described it as “insensitive”.
He added that the act showed that people lack fear for God.
The Imam said, “The Ram of our Chief Imam, which he purposely brought to sacrifice, has been stolen in the night.
We are really shocked by the incident. We were surprised to hear this story. This means that people are not God-fearing.“It is scary that people have gone to the extent of stealing ram meant for religious activity.”
Speaking further, he urged people to be God-fearing and not engage in either stealing or any act of criminality.
He stressed that everyone will account for their actions on earth and hereafter.
“It is high time people repented and took the path of Allah. It is not too late. People should stop committing bad things and act according to Allah’s commandments,” he urged.
By Laide Akinboade, Abuja
As Nigerins joined the rest of the world to celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir, President Bola Tinubu, state governors, top government functionaries as well as other notable Nigerians have called for peace and religious tolerance to enhance peaceful coexistence.
The Eid-el-Kabir festival is celebrated by Muslims worldwide on the 10th day of the Hijri month of Dhual-Hijjah in the Islamic calendar.
Tinubu, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hazmat, the former state governor, Babatunde Fashola, and the Chairman of Dangote, Aliko Dangote, joined hundreds of Muslim faithful to observe Eid prayers in Ikoyi axis of the state yesterday.
Other dignitaries present at the Dodan Barracks ground in Ikoyi were the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; former lawmaker, Gbenga Ashafa, the former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Adeyemi Ikuforiji amongst others.
Accompanied by top government functionaries, the President arrived at the Eid praying ground at about 8:55 am yesterday with cheers from many worshippers who trooped to the venue to pray and catch a glimpse of the Nigerian leader.
The President enjoined Nigerians to reflect on the essence of the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir, which bears strong meaning and significance for the nation.
CAN President, Calls for Unity in Challenging Times
Relatedly, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) yesterday urged all Muslim faithful to unite in challenging times and focus on God for a better Nigeria.
President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh in his goodwill message to celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, made available to journalists in Abuja.
He appealed that everyone should set aside their differences, heed the call for unity and peace, and trust in God’s promise for a better Nigeria, because the nation is in dire need of God’s mercy, peace, and unity.
“As Muslims all over the world celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, a festival symbolizing sacrifice, obedience, and faith, I, on behalf of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), extend warm felicitations to our Muslim brothers and sisters.
“On this auspicious occasion, I urge all Nigerians to embody the values of sacrifice, obedience, and faith in our daily lives. Let us set aside our differences, heed the call for unity and peace, and trust in God’s promise for a better Nigeria. Our nation is in dire need of God’s mercy, peace, and unity.
“In the face of current challenges, let us unite in love, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Let us pray for divine intervention in our security, economic, and political struggles. May God’s comfort and strength support the displaced, the bereaved, and the traumatized.
“As the Muslim Ummah celebrate this festival, let us remember that our nation deeply needs God’s mercy, peace, and unity. Let us work together to build a Nigeria where all citizens can thrive, regardless of religion, tribe, or creed. Our diversity is strength, and together, we can overcome any obstacle.
“I call on all Nigerians to embrace peace, love, and forgiveness. Let us pray for divine intervention in our national struggles and strive towards building a united and prosperous Nigeria. Let us remember the displaced, bereaved, and traumatized, offering them our support and solidarity,” The statement read.
The CAN boss who prayed that God bless Nigeria and grant the nation peace, unity, and prosperity.
Almajiri Commission Calls for Enhanced Commitment to Education
In the spirit of Eid-el-Kabi, the Executive Secretary/CEO of National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children’s Education (NCAOOSCE), Dr. Muhammad Sani Idris, has called on all stakeholders to renew their dedication to education as a fundamental right for every child.
He said this in a statement issued to commemorate Eid-el-Kabir.
“Education remains the cornerstone for unlocking the potential of our youth and empowering them to contribute meaningfully to society.”
“As we commemorate Eid-el-Kabir, a celebration of sacrifice and faith, I extend warm greetings to all Nigerians, with special recognition for the Almajiri and out-of-school children, who are central to our Commission’s mission,” he said.
While acknowledging President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to eradicate the challenges faced by Almajiri and out-of-school children in Nigeria, he said his commitment to education and human capital development underscores his administration’s dedication to the welfare of all Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable.
Looking forward, the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children’s Education (NCAOOSCE)
The Executive Secretary reaffirmed the commitment of the commission to enrol 10 million out-of-school children in school by 2027, saying, “We are actively working to integrate Western education into the Almajiri school curriculum, ensuring a comprehensive educational experience that prepares these children for a brighter future.”
He said they would continue to collaborate tirelessly with stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Education, state governments, and development partners, to address the multifaceted challenges faced by the vulnerable children.
He said: “President Tinubu’s leadership and unwavering support have been instrumental in advancing our goals thus far. Together, we are confident in our ability to make a significant impact and ensure that every child has access to quality education, regardless of their background or circumstances.”
The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Umuahia, Most Rev. Michael Ukpong, has charged the Catholic media practitioners to help disseminate the Church doctrines among the youths.
Ukpong gave the charge on Wednesday, when a group, known as the Catholic Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (CAMPAN), paid him a courtesy visit in his office at the Mater Dei Cathedral, Umuahia.
He described the knowledge deficit among the Catholic faithful as worrisome, saying that the phenomenon was more prevalent among the younger generation.
The cleric said that the prevailing delinquencies and societal ills could be attributed to ignorance and the lack of knowledge.
“All these challenges that we are witnessing are as a result of ignorance and the lack of knowledge,” he said.
Ukpong further appealed to the CAMPAN members to enhance their activities, in order that the church would feel their impact more.
“The association can do better to make greater impact in the church.
“You can also help to ensure that the activities of the church go viral in the social media because that is now the global trend,” the clergyman said.
He advised the National President of the group, Mr Chimdi Oluoha, to ensure that he excelled in his assignment in order to bring honour rather than shame to his home diocese.
He promised that the church would do the best within the available reaources to support him to succeed.
Earlier, the Abia Chairman of CAMPAN, Mr Hyacinth Okoli, said the visit was to invite the bishop to the 2024 World Communications Day celebration, scheduled for Sunday.
Okoli, represented by his vice, Mr Chikezie Onyeabor, also formally presented the new National President to the bishop during the visit.
Reports says that Oluoha, who was the immediate past Abia Chairman of the group, was elected at the association’s 2024 Convention held in Isele-Ukwu, Delta State, last week.
In a brief remark, Oluoha promised to discharge the duties of his office diligently and efficiently to take the association and the Church to higher height. (NAN)
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